Cash for Appliances Rebates Ending

Rebates for Refrigerators, Washers, and Others Ends December 6

What: Californians looking to cash in on a California Cash for Appliances rebate must purchase their new energy efficient home appliances before December 6, 2010. The popular rebate program administered by the Energy Commission will close in phases, beginning with the home appliances. Applications for water heaters and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems must be postmarked by December 31, 2010.

Since April more than 160,000 applications have been received with approximately $4.5 million still available.

When:New and corrected applications must be postmarked by December 6, 2010 for consumers who purchase home appliances including, refrigerators, clothes washers, room air conditions, freezers, and dishwashers. Rebates are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis for complete applications with the required supporting documents.

Why: The program has less than $4.5 million remaining and this gives consumers additional time to take advantage of the sales offered by retailers during one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year.

Who: The Energy Commission has partnered with more than 80 Platinum Retail Partners and more than 50 Official Partners to assist consumers with appliance purchases, recycling their old appliances and completing their application. A list of partners is available at: www.cash4appliances.org/partners/list.html.

Consumers will need to work with a licensed California contractor for the installations of water heaters and heating and cooling units. Consumers should check with their local utility and the State of California Contractor's State License Board (CSLB) for lists of contractors in their area and How to Hire a Contractor:
www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/HireAContractor/

How: Consumers are eligible for a rebate when they purchase a qualified high energy efficient appliance, water heater, or heating and cooling units, properly recycle their old appliance or system, and submit a complete application package. Instructions on how to complete an application for the California Cash for Appliances rebate is available here:
www.cash4appliances.org/consumers/Rebate-Form.pdf

To check on the status of a rebate, consumers can use a new tool located on the homepage of the website at: www.cash4appliances.org/consumers/status.html A consumer will need to enter their unique tracking number or their last name, phone number, and type of appliance that was purchased.

Consumers who need to correct their rebate application can contact their retailer or contractor, call the toll-free number at: 1-888-390-4034, or e-mail the Energy Commission at:
rebates@energy.state.ca.us

Eligible energy efficient home appliances and rebate amounts available are: refrigerators $200, clothes washers $100, dishwashers $100, freezers $50, and room air conditioners up to $50. Rebates for eligible water heaters are $300-$750, and eligible HVAC systems qualify for $500 to $1000.

Consumer Tips to Speed Rebate Processing:

Read the Steps. Read the steps on rebate application and include all of the required supporting documentation.

Fill out form completely and correctly. Do not leave any items blank on the application. Check the appropriate boxes and sign the application. For HVAC and Water Heaters a California licensed contractor will assist the consumer with the application.

Be consistent. Make sure that the applicant's first and last name matches the name on the certificate of recycling and the name on the utility bill. Only one first and last name is required on the application. The Certificate of Recycling and Utility Bill are only required for Clothes Washers, Refrigerators, Room Air Conditioners, Freezers, and Dishwashers. HVAC and Water Heater applications must list the Certified Appliance Recyclers (CAR) name and CAR number.

Recycle. Consumers must recycle their old appliance to receive a rebate. The Certificate of Recycling document must be included with the application. If a consumer is participating in their utility rebate program, the utility will provide the consumer with the required Cash for Appliances Certificate of Recycling. Consumers can also obtain the Certificate of Recycling from a platinum retailer, participating city of county governments haul away program, or a Certified Appliance Recycler. For information on how to properly recycle an old appliance, visit:
www.cash4appliances.org/consumers/recycle.html